DE102014200714A1 - Simplified constructed inner ring assembly for a multi-row rolling bearing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller bearing unit (1a), designed as a multi-row angular contact bearing, which is intended for a wheel bearing of a vehicle, consisting of at least one outer ring (3a, 3b) and an inner ring assembly (8a) and guided in two spaced rows of raceways of the bearing rings Rolling elements (6a, 6b). The axially divided inner ring arrangement (8a) of the rolling bearing unit (1a) comprises two inner rings (7a, 7b), between which an intermediate bushing (9a) is inserted. To secure an axial position, all components of the inner ring assembly (8a) are inseparably connected integrally by a prestressed assembly, whereby a defined bias of the rolling bearing unit (1a) adjusts.

Description

The invention relates to a rolling bearing unit, designed as a multi-row angular contact bearing, which is intended for a wheel bearing of a vehicle consisting of at least one outer ring and at least one inner ring, between which rolling elements are guided in two spaced rows of raceways of the bearing rings, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for mounting the rolling bearing unit according to claim 9.

Wheel bearings and hubs are especially in commercial vehicles highly stressed components of suspensions on the chassis of the motor vehicle, which are exposed to a variety of operating stresses. A long service life and a maintenance-free use of the wheel bearings are decisive competitive advantages for commercial vehicles.

In wheel bearing units for commercial vehicles mainly so-called insert rolling bearing units are used with tapered roller bearings. From the DE 10 2006 017 162 A1 is known an insert bearing that can be mounted and dismounted as a replaceable unit with simple tools in repair shops. The bearing unit comprises two tapered roller bearings each with an outer ring and an inner ring, between each of which a series of tapered rollers is arranged. The tapered roller bearings are arranged in mirror image to each other in the wheel hub and fixed with a locking ring. During assembly, the individual wheel bearings are pressed axially into the wheel hub, wherein each stop serves as a stop in the wheel hub. By an axial insertion of a locking ring into corresponding grooves of the inner rings takes place a connection of the inner rings and a fixation of the bearing.

The DE 198 58 973 C1 refers to a multi-row roller bearing with at least two separate inner and / or outer rings. The two axially adjacent inner or outer rings are connected to each other in the region of a common assembly joint by means of an intermediate element. In an axial cylindrical portion of the parting line a recess is provided, in which an intermediate sleeve is inserted.

In the DE 90 17 861 U1 It is proposed to arrange a spacer ring consisting of two partial rings between the individual inner rings of the double-row tapered roller bearing. In this case, a partial ring of the spacer ring is determined in its width so that it takes into account the tolerances in the manufacture of the rolling bearing, while the other partial ring is adapted in its width to the tolerance deviations of the shaft.

From the DE 10 2004 018 188 A1 is a double-row angular contact bearing with two inner bearing inner rings and a one-piece bearing outer ring known. The bearing inner rings are positively connected by an intermediate bushing. This simultaneously serving as a spacer intermediate bushing is used to produce a permanent axial preload of the bearing.

The invention has for its object to provide a rolling bearing unit with improved functionality and durability, which includes simple design and optimized in terms of manufacturing, machining and assembly inner rings.

This object is achieved by a roller bearing unit according to the features of claim 1 and by a method according to claim 9. The dependent claims referring back to claim 1 give advantageous developments of the invention again.

According to claim 1, the solution to the problem in a rolling bearing unit having an axially divided inner ring assembly with two inner rings, which are assembled alone or combined with an intermediate bushing inserted between the inner rings. To secure an axial position of the inner rings and to represent a preassembled, ready-to-mount roller bearing unit, all components of the inner ring assembly are first axially preloaded and then connected inseparably cohesively. Alternatively, the invention includes the positive connection of individual components of the inner ring assembly.

Advantageously, by the measure according to the invention a defined bearing clearance for the rolling bearing unit, which includes two tapered roller bearings. The advantage of this inventive construction of the inner rings is in particular the ease of handling and the workability of the sections, the inner rings. Owing to the simplified machining, it is advantageously possible to inexpensively produce inner rings with improved functionality and increased load rating and increased service life. By the invention, a compact rolling bearing unit can be created with defined and preset bearing clearance, which is characterized by a high load capacity. The concept according to the invention also makes it possible to realize a friction-optimized roller bearing with life-long grease lubrication and effective sealing.

Furthermore, the concept according to the invention offers the possibility of using a standardized inner ring, the extended functionality of which can be realized as an insert inner ring by means of a further component that is attached by a material fit. By the cohesive connection of the inner rings is a falling apart of the preassembled rolling bearing unit effectively prevented, whereby no axial securing is required. In addition, according to the invention, a component reduction can be achieved since, for example, a central seal within the rolling bearing unit can be dispensed with by the cohesively joined inner rings or their annular sections.

A preferred embodiment of the invention for the representation of insert inner rings provides that each multiple axially divided inner ring is divided into sections, such as flange, raceway and spacer ring, each separating a parting line divides the sections. For this purpose, it makes sense to arrange the location of joints between individual elements according to the loads occurring. In order to achieve full width power transmission from the rolling element to the raceway, the parting line between the flanged wheel and the raceway extends in accordance with the direction of the contact angle of the bevel gear bearing. The multiple axially divided inner rings result in simple sections that can be produced cost-optimized and their processing is simplified because, for example, an undercut between the board and the tread of the inner ring deleted.

For cohesive connection of the individual sections of the inner rings is preferably a pulse welding. This welding process is characterized by high reproducibility of each weld and low operating costs. The welding is done by a combination of mechanical pressure and electrical energy, both variables being kept constant by control circuits. With pulse welding, high welding energy in extremely short welding times in milliseconds is almost exclusively effective in the welding zone. Advantageously, a precisely controlled weld can be realized with the pulse welding. By concentrating the welding current on the weld, a desired local thermal load is set, whereby the material properties of the sub-sections adjacent to the welding zone are hardly affected and thus no heat distortion of sections of the inner ring is established. As an alternative to pulsed welding, the invention includes, as an integral connection, soldering or gluing in order to connect the sections of the inner rings in a permanent and non-releasable manner.

As a measure to prevent a transfer of welding particles from the butt joint, in particular the central joint between the inner rings in the rolling bearing unit, a protective ring made of a metallic material is preferably provided which encloses the ends of the inner rings within the rolling bearing unit and thereby covers the butt joint ,

To represent and secure a relative axial position of the spaced inner rings, the invention further includes an intermediate bushing or a spacer element, which is in each case materially welded to the facing ends of the inner rings. The intermediate sleeve can be biased as part of a pre-assembly or after completion of installation between the inner rings so that sets a defined bias of the rolling elements of the rolling bearing unit. In accordance with a further embodiment, the intermediate bushing, which can also be referred to as a spacer element, can be combined with a sensor. The strains from occurring contact forces of the intermediate bush or the inner ring arrangement detecting sensor transmits this as a signal, for example, to a central electronics or measuring device of the vehicle. The sensor can be arranged on the outside of the intermediate bushing or in a longitudinal groove inside the intermediate bushing.

As an alternative to a particularly cylindrically shaped component, according to the invention, an intermediate bush formed from two ring elements can be used. In this case, a ring element is first welded to each inner ring on the side facing, before after clamping of the inner rings, the ring elements are centrally connected in the region of a joint cohesively. Alternatively, it lends itself to use a sleeve which surrounds the ring element in the joint area on the outside and which can be welded to the free ends of the ring elements. Preferably, the ring elements are made wavy, which sets a limited elastic connection for the prestressed inner ring assembly.

In order to create a weight-optimized rolling bearing unit, according to the invention the multiply axially divided inner ring may include a race designed as a hollow body. For this purpose, it makes sense to produce a hollow body of a metallic material, in particular of a steel sheet, as a race, wherein at least the running surface of the rolling elements is surface-hardened. The race while a spacer made of a solid material and mutually assigned a flanged wheel.

A rolling bearing unit according to the invention with an inner ring arrangement which has, for example, two inner rings can furthermore be combined with a one-part outer ring. In the preassembled state, in which the inner rings are connected directly or indirectly via an intermediate bushing for securing an axial position, results thus a unit in which all components are held together captive.

As an alternative to a cohesive connection of the inner rings, the invention includes a positive connection by means of a radially prestressed clip ring or fixing element. For this purpose, preferably a cross-sectionally U-shaped clip ring, the spaced edges of which engage positively and positively in corresponding annular grooves on the inside of the assembled inner rings. In addition, the ribs of the clip ring are each materially connected, in particular by a weld, with the associated inner ring.

According to claim 9, the following steps einschließendes method is provided for pre-assembly of a rolling bearing unit to optimally axially bias the inner rings or the inner ring assembly of the rolling bearing unit and then to connect materially. With the method, for example, the bearing manufacturer can deliver a precisely preloaded roller bearing unit to the customer. First, the outer rings of the rolling bearing unit are pressed into the device or into the wheel hub up to a contact with stops, in which the outer rings are supported in positionally position at a defined axial distance from each other. Subsequently, the mounting of the rolling bearing cages and the rolling elements, before the inner rings are inserted axially into the device. In an axially preloaded position, in which the inner rings are indirectly supported directly or indirectly via an intermediate bush against each other, these components are then welded. By a coordinated length of spacer rings of the inner rings or an intermediate bush, a defined bias of the rolling elements and consequently a defined bearing clearance of the rolling bearing unit can be adjusted.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown, wherein the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Showing:

1 in a half section, a rolling bearing unit with a double row angular contact bearing in which all components of an inner ring assembly are materially connected;

2 the rolling bearing unit according to 1 in which, unlike an intermediate sleeve of the inner ring assembly includes a sensor;

3 the rolling bearing unit according to 1 with multiple axially divided inner rings;

4 a rolling bearing unit whose inner rings include a running as a hollow body race;

5 Inner rings of the rolling bearing unit, which are connected via a clip ring;

6 a rolling bearing unit used in a device;

7 a rolling bearing unit in which a guard ring encloses a parting line;

8th a multi-part constructed intermediate socket as an intermediate socket; and

9 a rolling bearing unit that includes a one-piece outer ring.

The embodiments in the 1 and 2 show a rolling bearing unit 1a in half section, constructed as a double row angular contact bearing, two tapered roller bearings 2a . 2 B includes, its outer rings 3a . 3b in a wheel hub 4 are fitted. In a rolling element cage 5a . 5b used rolling elements 6a . 6b are outside on the outer rings 3a . 3b and inside on inner rings 7a . 7b an inner ring arrangement 8a guided. The rolling elements 6a . 6b are thus on the one hand form-fitting with the Wälzkörperkäfig 5a . 5b and on the other hand with the outer rings 3a . 3b as well as the inner rings 7a . 7b connected. The inner ring arrangement 8a includes the inner rings 7a . 7b by an intermediate bushing, which can also be referred to as a spacer or fixing element 9a respectively. 9b are connected. A cohesive connection of the inner rings 7a . 7b with the intermediate socket 9a respectively. 9b takes place in the area of the joints 10a . 10b in particular by means of pulse welding. By welding all components of the inner ring assembly 8a is the rolling bearing unit used as a wheel bearing 1a . 1b captive in the wheel hub 4 attached. The welding is in a prestressed position of all components of the inner ring assembly 8a carried out. For this purpose, the rolling bearing unit 1 axially biased, illustrated by the outside on the inner rings 7a . 7b directed arrows, resulting in a defined bearing clearance for the rolling elements 6a . 6b established.

In 2 closes the rolling bearing unit 1b an intermediate socket 9b a, preferably a sensor designed as a strain sensor 11a . 11b assigned. The outside sensor 11a or alternatively on the inside in a longitudinal groove 12 used sensor 11b is at least one end face with an inner ring 7a . 7b and is intended to detect strains from the contact forces and to transmit to a measuring device (not shown).

The 3 shows the rolling bearing unit 1c with an inner ring arrangement 8b , which includes multiple axially divided inner rings, thereby forming sections, such as one flanged wheel 13a . 13b , a race 14a . 14b and a spacer ring 15a . 15b , revealed by the dividing lines 16a . 16b ; 17a . 17b are separated. Furthermore, there is a central parting line 18 between the spacer rings 15a . 15b one. In a non-positive joining of all sections, these components are on the joints 16a . 16b ; 17a . 17b and 18 supported, then to create the one-piece inner ring assembly 8b be welded. The multiple axially split inner rings enable optimal processing of the individual parts. For example, to edit the career 19a . 19b an undercut between the flanged wheel 13a . 13b and the race 14a . 14b omitted. An ideal introduction of the force from the rolling elements 6a . 6b in the raceway 14a . 14b adjusts itself when the parting line 16a . 16b inclined and coincident to a direction indicated by the arrow pressure angle D of the tapered roller bearings 2a . 2 B runs.

The 4 shows the rolling bearing unit 1d with a to 3 alternative inner ring arrangement 8c , The multiple axially divided inner rings each include a flanged wheel 13c . 13d , a race 14c . 14d and a spacer ring 15c . 15d a, between which joints 16a . 16b ; 17a . 17b such as 18 to adjust. As a measure for weight optimization are the races 14c . 14d manufactured as a hollow body of a metallic material in a welded construction.

According to the 5 includes the inner ring assembly 8d the rolling bearing unit 1e the inner rings 20a . 20b , For the positive connection a radially biased, U-shaped clip ring 23 provide, whose spaced shelves 24a . 24b in corresponding inside ring grooves 25a . 25b on both sides of the parting line 18 from the inner rings 20a . 20b locking positively and non-positively. In addition to this are the shelves 24a . 24b of the clip ring 23 in each case cohesively, in particular by a weld, with the associated inner ring 20a . 20b connected.

In 6 is a device 26 or a wheel hub, which can be used to the inner ring assembly 8a the rolling bearing unit 1f exactly to pretension and then to weld. First, the outer rings 3a . 3b the rolling bearing unit 1 into the device 26 until it touches the stops 27a . 27b introduced, in which the outer rings 3a . 3b Positionally positioned in a defined axial distance from each other. Subsequently, a mounting of the rolling bearing cages takes place 5a . 5b as well as the rolling elements 6a . 6b before the inner rings 7a . 7b as well as the intermediate socket 9a be introduced axially. By means of an axial biasing force, represented by the arrows, there is a frictional assembly of the inner ring assembly 8a before these components by welding the joints 10a . 10b be connected cohesively.

The 7 shows the rolling bearing unit 1g with the inner ring arrangement 8e , the two directly against each other supported inner rings 28a . 28b includes. To a transfer of welding particles from the joint also referred to as a butt joint 18 during welding into an interior 29 the rolling bearing unit 1g to avoid covering a guard ring 30 the parting line 18 , The protective ring made of a metallic material 30 is preferred initially on an inner ring 28a or 28b fixed so that the guard ring 30 in the axial assembly on the other associated inner ring 28a or 28b pushes.

According to 8th becomes the intermediate socket 31 the inner ring arrangement 8f the rolling bearing unit 1h from two ring elements 32a . 32b formed, the matching respectively at facing ends of the inner rings 7a . 7b are fixed. In conjunction with a sleeve enclosing the free ends 33 are the ring elements 32a . 32b cohesively connected to each other. By a corrugated design of the ring elements 32a . 32b provides a limited elastic connection for the prestressed inner ring assembly 8f one. Alternatively to the separate sleeve 33 can be the free ends of the ring elements 32a . 32b be connected directly cohesively.

The rolling bearing unit 1i according to 9 includes a one-piece outer ring 34 to which the spaced-apart rolling elements 6a . 6b are guided, which inside the inner rings 7a . 7b assigned. At both ends is on an inner contour of the outer ring 34 one seal each 35a . 35b positioned, whose sealing lip 36a . 36b on the inner ring 7a . 7b is supported.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1a to 1i

 rolling bearing unit

2a, 2b

 Tapered roller bearings

3a, 3b

 outer ring

4

 wheel hub

5a, 5b

 Rolling bearing cage

6a, 6b

 rolling elements

7a, 7b

 inner ring

8a to 8f

 Inner ring arrangement

9a, 9b

 between the bush

10a, 10b

 parting line

11a, 11b

 sensor

12

 longitudinal groove

13a to 13d

 flanged wheel

14a to 14d

 race

15a to 15d

 spacer ring

16a, 16b

 parting line

17a, 17b

 parting line

18

 parting line

19a, 19b

 career

20a, 20b

 inner ring

23

 clip ring

24a, 24b

 shelf

25a, 25b

 ring groove

26

 Device (wheel hub)

27a, 27b

 attack

28a, 28b

 inner ring

29

 inner space

30

 protective ring

31

 between the bush

32a, 32b

 ring element

33

 shell

34

 outer ring

35a, 35b

 poetry

36a, 36b

 sealing lip

D

 contact angle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006017162 A1 [0003]
• DE 19858973 C1 [0004]
• DE 9017861 U1 [0005]
• DE 102004018188 A1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Rolling bearing unit, designed as a multi-row angular contact bearing, which is intended for a wheel bearing of a vehicle, consisting of at least one outer ring ( 3a . 3b . 34 ) and at least one inner ring ( 7a . 7b ; 20a . 20b ; 28a . 28b ) between which rolling elements ( 6a . 6b ) are guided in two spaced rows of raceways of the bearing rings, wherein after an axially biased joining of the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ; 20a . 20b ; 28a . 28b ) a defined preload of the rolling elements ( 6a . 6b ), characterized in that the rolling bearing unit ( 1a to 1i ) an axially split inner ring assembly ( 8a to 8f ) with two inner rings ( 7a . 7b ; 20a . 20b ; 28a . 28b ), alone or in combination with one between the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ; 20a . 20b ; 28a . 28b ) inserted intermediate socket ( 9a . 9b ; 31 ) are assembled axially prestressed, wherein for securing an axial position, the components of the inner ring assembly ( 8a to 8f ) are connected cohesively or positively. Rolling bearing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that each inner ring of the inner ring arrangement ( 8b . 8c ) is divided axially several times and subsections, such as a flange ( 13a to 13d ), a race ( 14a to 14d ) and a spacer ring ( 15a to 15d ), each by a parting line ( 16a . 16b ; 17a . 17b ; 18 ) are separated. Rolling bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of a pulse welding, soldering or gluing the components of the inner ring assembly ( 8a to 8f ) of the rolling bearing unit ( 1a to 1i ) are cohesively connected. Rolling bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ) inserted intermediate socket ( 9b ) of the rolling bearing unit ( 1b ) with a sensor ( 11a . 11b ) is combined. Rolling bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate bushing ( 31 ) of the rolling bearing unit ( 1h ) two ring elements ( 32a . 32b ), which in each case at facing ends of the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ) are fixed, wherein the ring elements ( 31a . 32b ) centrally directly or in conjunction with a sleeve ( 33 ) are connected indirectly cohesively. Rolling bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner ring arrangement ( 8c ) of the rolling bearing unit ( 1d ) made of a metallic material designed as a hollow body raceway ( 14c . 14d ). Rolling bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two inner rings ( 7a . 7b ) having rolling bearing unit ( 1i ) with a one-piece outer ring ( 34 ) is combined. Rolling bearing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner ring arrangement ( 8d ) of the rolling bearing unit ( 1e ) for the positive connection of the inner rings ( 20a . 20b ) a radially biased clip ring ( 23 ), the inside in annular grooves ( 25a . 25b ) of the inner rings ( 20a . 20b ) and additionally cohesively with the inner rings ( 20a . 20b ) is connected. Method for pre-assembling a roller bearing unit ( 1f ) according to one of the preceding claims with the method steps: - pressing in of outer rings ( 3a . 3b ) of the rolling bearing unit ( 1f ) in the wheel hub ( 4 ) or in a device ( 26 ) until it attaches to stops ( 27a . 27b ), in which the outer rings ( 3a . 3b ) are positionally positioned at a defined axial distance from each other; - Mounting of rolling bearing cages ( 5a . 5b ) and rolling elements ( 6a . 6b ) on the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ), before the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ) and the intermediate socket ( 9a ) are introduced; - assembling the inner ring arrangement ( 8a ) by means of an axial biasing force, before the inner rings ( 7a . 7b ) and the intermediate socket ( 9a ) cohesively within the device ( 26 ) or the wheel hub ( 4 ) get connected.

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